HOUSTON — We have an answer to the question Astros fans have been wondering – will ace pitcher Lance McCullers be on the team's American League Championship Series roster? The answer to that is no, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t pitch against Boston.
Editor's note: Video above is from before the ALCS roster came out.
The Astros placed McCullers on the ‘taxi squad,’ which, according to KHOU 11’s Matt Musil, means that if there’s an injury to another Astros’ pitcher, McCullers could still see some game action.
McCullers was pulled a little early from Game 4 of the ALDS against the White Sox with soreness in his forearm. He had an MRI on Thursday.
The team has activated two other pitchers for the ALCS – Jake Odorizzi and Blake Taylor.
Game 1 of the ALCS is tonight. First pitch is 7:07 p.m.
Red Sox vs. Astros pitching matchup
The Astros will send Frambler Valdez to the mount in Game 1. He’ll be opposite Chris Sale for the Red Sox. Sale was 5-1 with a 3.15 ERA. Valdez was 11-6 with a 3.14 ERA.
American League Championship Series schedule
Game 1: Friday, Oct. 15 at Minute Maid Park; 7:07 p.m.
Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 16, at Minute Maid Park; 3:20 p.m.
Game 3: Monday, Oct. 18, at Fenway Park; 7:07 p.m.
Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 19, at Fenway Park; time TBD
Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday, Oct. 20, at Fenway Park, time TBD
Game 6 (if necessary): Friday, Oct. 22, at Minute Maid Park; time TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Saturday, Oct. 23, at Minute Maid Park; time TBD
Get tickets to Game 1 and 2
Tickets are still available online at Astros.com/postseason or by phone at 1-877-9ASTROS.
Astros Street Fest
Fans can get ready to cheer on the Astros before the games at Astros Street Fest. Street Fest starts three hours before game time and fans will need a ticket to take part. Fans can enjoy live music, food trucks, inflatable games and more. You can learn more at Astros.com/StreetFest.